ALBANY, NY, August 23, 2005 – State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H. and State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro today issued an update concerning the gastrointestinal illness which has been linked to the spray park attraction at Seneca Lake State Park. The dates of onset of illness range from June to the present and many people have since recovered. The State's investigation is ongoing.

The most common symptoms reported are diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite. There have been 197 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium reported to the State Health Department to date.

The following precautions should be taken by the public to prevent further spread of illness from this outbreak. These precautions also apply to the general public, particularly in light of the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

General Public:

To help prevent the spread of illness, individuals who are experiencing gastrointestinal illness should not swim while they are sick and for two weeks after symptoms subside.

People should take action to minimize the chances of acquiring and spreading gastrointestinal illnesses, including thoroughly washing hands after using the toilet, changing diapers or coming in contact with fecal material in any way. Also, swimmers should avoid swallowing water wherever they are swimming, but especially in lakes, ponds or rivers.

Health care staff and food workers who are experiencing gastrointestinal illness should notify their employer. They should not have patient contact or work in food service until they have recovered and been cleared for return by their employer or the local health department.

Children and staff who work in child day care centers who have stomach/intestinal illness should refrain from attending day care. Day care centers should consult with their local health department for recommendations on the timing for return to the day care setting. Children should not be transferred to another day care center.

Patrons should always practice good hygiene. It is important to shower before swimming or using spray park features and always wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on one's body may get into the water.

Patrons should never drink the water when swimming or using spray park features and should avoid getting water in their mouths to prevent potential illness. It is important to note that water at most spray parks is recycled and should not be consumed.

Patrons must never use spray park features, swimming pools or beaches when they have diarrhea. This is especially important for infants and toddlers in diapers. This may spread germs in the water and make other people sick.

Patrons with children should take them for bathroom breaks and/or check their diapers often. Children's diapers should be changed in a bathroom and not near spray park features, swimming pools or beach areas to prevent the spread of germs and illness.

Persons who visited the Seneca Lake State Park or family members and/or close contacts of ill individuals who visited the park since late July and are experiencing gastrointestinal illness should contact their medical provider and their local health department (phone numbers below).